A MURINE MODEL OF ASBESTOSIS

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  • 1 January 1983
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 112  (3) , 326-337
Abstract
Balb/c mice were exposed to aerosolized chrysotile fibers and evaluated as a host for the study of asbestos-induced pulmonary disease. Histologically, an initial macrophage reaction progressed to asbestos body formation and diffuse focal interstitial fibrosis within 1 yr of a chronic exposure period. This reaction was most intense in areas adjacent to respiratory bronchioles and alveolar ducts. Two morphologically distinct tumors at the pulmonary visceral surface were also discovered among a high percentage of asbestos-exposed mice. Bronchoalveolar lavage demonstrated an eventual alteration of the retrievable cell populations among the dusted animals. Evaluation of systemic B-lymphocyte activity suggested a stimulation of this cell subset following chrysotile inhalation. Subsequent to chronic asbestos exposure, the mouse developed pulmonary and immunologic changes similar to those noted in human asbestosis.